I love hiking. For the nature and the friends and the exercise, sure, but I think I like it most for the heights. For the sense of loft, if you will. The higher up I can get, the better - and I mean that in the very literal, physical sense.
So I was thrilled to cross off #3 on my list: Climb the highest mountain in South Korea!
This summer, we took a glorious mini-vacation to Jeju island, the so-called "Hawaii of Korea." Along with my friend Sujeong, we spent three days hiking through some very beautiful countryside. The first two days we hiked on the Olle trails - a set of trails that encircle the whole island. .
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| Day 1: rainy but beautiful |
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| squid to dry |
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| HILARIOUS...I don't remember what |
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| We completed the entire Olle Trail #1! Stamps to prove it |
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| Made a friend |
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| I off-roaded to snap this poetic shot of the falls in Seogwipo |
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| Day 2: Sunny and clear and hot! |
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| We hiked Olle Trail #7, and it was gorgeous |
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| This hike had the most stunning seaside scenery |
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| my stalwart companions |
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| A trail marker, shaped like a horse! |
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| I couldn't resist - the water was cool and clear! |
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| There was apparently a TV drama filmed in this location, so we made Adam "dress up" |
On day 3, we tackled Mt. Halla, the highest peak in South Korea!
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| Day 3: it was a stunner! |
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| Up so high |
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| Crater on top of Halla |
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| Big sky, lotsa people |
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| SO TRIUMPH. MANY SWEAT. SUCH HAPPPY. |
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| NAPS |
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| The pole that proves we were at the top of Korea! |
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| Lovely crater at the top |
We stayed in hostels, hiked, ate, and slept like rocks. I loved every second. But I especially loved the peaks. :)
Carpe diem,
A
p.s. Today I said NO to taking a taxi home, and I said NO to asking Adam to buy me an indulgent pretzel from Auntie Anne's (nom).
Man, that scenery looks great in photos, doesn't it? It was beautiful in person too, but somehow seeing it later...
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